Wang Yi encourages Chinese firms to invest in Djibouti; ministers sign Global Security Initiative memorandum

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Djiboutian counterpart in Beijing on 21 October that China encourages Chinese companies to invest in Djibouti, according to a readout from China's foreign ministry. After the talks the two ministers issued a joint press communiqué and signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in jointly advancing the Global Security Initiative.

Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met Abdoulkader Houssein Omar, Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Wang said relations between the two countries are developing in a healthy and steady way under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. He said China appreciates Djibouti's adherence to the one-China principle and hopes it will keep giving firm support on issues touching China's core interests.

On trade and investment, Wang proposed that the two sides make full use of China's zero-tariff policy and of Djibouti's geographic position. He said China encourages Chinese firms to invest in Djibouti and, using the building of a prosperity belt along the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway as an opportunity, will help the country become a regional hub for trade, logistics and connectivity.

On security, Wang said the war in the Middle East is spilling over into the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, and that shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden faces new threats. He said China is willing to work with Djibouti and other countries to strengthen communication and cooperation, work to calm the situation and keep the region peaceful and stable. He added that the two countries hold the same positions on major international and regional issues, both advocate multilateralism and insist on non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.

Omar conveyed warm greetings from Djibouti's President Guelleh to Chinese President Xi Jinping. He said Djibouti's one-China position has been consistent, and that it appreciates China's contribution to lasting world peace and is glad to be a founding member of the International Organization for Mediation, an international body for settling disputes by mediation.

The communiqué covers maintaining peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the safety of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The memorandum is between the governments of the People's Republic of China and the Republic of Djibouti.

Wang and Omar previously met on 11 June 2025 in Changsha, when Omar held the same post.